A California man has been sentenced to nearly 3 1/2 years in prison for his involvement in a scheme that assisted pregnant Chinese women in traveling to the United States to give birth to babies who would automatically become American citizens. The man, along with his estranged wife, was convicted of conspiracy and money laundering for operating a company called USA Happy Baby.
The man, who was given a 41-month prison term, was taken into custody immediately after the sentencing. The judge considered his responsibilities as a caretaker for his elderly parents and his teenage son in determining the sentence.
Authorities revealed that the business, USA Happy Baby, facilitated the travel of several hundred Chinese women between 2012 and 2015, charging them up to $40,000 for various services including accommodation in Southern California. The company also provided guidance on visa interviews and advised women on concealing their pregnancies during travel.
The prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating that the defendant helped customers deceive U.S. authorities and purchase citizenship for their children. The case is part of a broader crackdown on 'birth tourism' operators, with similar businesses catering to individuals from various countries.
While it is not illegal to visit the U.S. while pregnant, providing false information to immigration officials is prohibited. Birthright citizenship in the U.S. has been a significant attraction for such travelers, as it offers potential benefits such as access to education and future residency options for their children.
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed intentions to end birthright citizenship, although any such action would face significant legal challenges.
